Dsemia 



( 274 ) 



Daffodil 



DSEMIA. 



A genus (ord. Asclepiadesc) of evergreen 

 twiners that grow well in the stove. They range 

 in height from 3' to 10'. Propagation is by spring 

 cuttings in sanely soil under a bell-glass over 



Phato: Cussell it Co., Ltd. 



DAFFODIL MASTER AT An.ws (see p. 276). 



bottom heat. Equal parts of fibrous loam and 

 peat, with sand, suit them. 



Principal Species : 

 extcnsa, y, Jo., Jy., wh. seaiulens, 10', Je., Jy., wh. 



D^MONOROPS. 



Although in the Genera 1'lantarum this genus 

 of climbing Palms (ord. Palmie) was united to the 

 closely allied genus, Calamus, later authorities 

 have again divided them. In a small state several 

 species make useful table plants, while in a large 

 stove they make handsome subjects for clothing 



tall pillars. All have spines on the leaf stalks, 

 which enable them to climb up trees. Draco 

 yields the best dragon's blood, so valuable in stains 

 and varnishes. All are readily raised from seed 

 sown in pans in heat. A stove temperature and 

 moist atmosphere are at all times essen- 

 tial, and on every bright day copious 

 syringings must be given to keep down 

 insects and ensure clean growth. In pots 

 or planted out, the compost of loam, peat, 

 and leaf soil must be well drained. 

 Principal Species : 

 Draco, fronds 0', blk. spines., 

 grandis. 



jenkinsianus, arching deep grn. fronds, 

 lewisianus, wh. leaf stalks, blk. sheaths. 

 melanocluctes, slender growth, 

 palembanicus, one of the best in a 

 young state. 



Other Species : 

 calicarpus. trichrous. 



tissus. intermedius. 



Hystrix. lougipes. 



periacauthus. 



DAFFODIL. 



Description. The favourite English 

 name for the greater number of the 

 plants included under the genus Nar- 

 cissus suggests a few remarks on these 

 charming flowers from a more populai 

 point of view than would be convenient 

 under the heading of Narcissus, which 

 may be referred to for a more systematic 

 plan of treatment. The beauty of the 

 Daffodil, a name which now embraces 

 more than the trumpet Narcissi origin- 

 ally called Daffodils, is unquestioned, 

 and the flower now forms a leading 

 feature in every spring garden worthy 

 of the name. In its various forms it can 

 be brought into bloom from Christmas 

 onwards under glass, and in the open 

 ground its lovely flowers give our 

 gardens much of their beauty in March, 

 April, and May. As a cut flower it has 

 no rivals in its season, and whether 

 planted in grass, in borders, or on rock- 

 work, it fills the most fastidious with 

 pleasure. In pots it is of great value 

 for the decoration of the greenhouse, 

 conservatory, or window. 



Propagation. Daffodils are generally 

 propagated by offsets, the only method 

 for named or meritorious varieties. These 

 are taken off when the plants are at rest. 

 New varieties are raised from seeds, 

 which can be sown as soon as ripe 

 either in beds in the garden or in 

 pots or boxes when ripe. Or they 

 may be kept until spring and then sown in the 

 same manner. Thin sowing is necessary, as it is 

 best not to disturb the young bulbs until they are 

 at least two years old. After the first season's 

 growth, about J" of fresh soil should be placed on 

 the top of the beds or pots. Raising Daffodils 

 from seed is strongly recommended to those who 

 have time and space. By this means many 

 improvements have been produced, although the 

 percentage of superior flowers is not large. Much 

 additional interest will accrue to the raiser if he 

 adopt systematic cross-fertilisation, and keep a 

 record of the crosses, llvbridisation between the 





